Households receiving public assistance

People receiving assistance

Households receiving public assistance

steady

What does this measure?

The percentage of households receiving some public assistance income. This includes both general assistance and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

Why is this important?

This measure represents the proportion of households dependent upon government support for basic needs.

How is our region performing?

In 2010-14, 2.9% of households in the region were receiving public assistance income, below the 3.2% statewide figure and just above the 2.8% nationwide rate. The county with the highest rate was Knox at 3.5%, followed by Monroe at 3.1%. The proportions were lowest in Sevier and Loudon, where 1.7% of households were receiving public assistance. In the state, nation, and the region, there was a steep drop in the rate from 2000 to 2005-09 followed by a rise from 2005-09 to 2010-14, resulting in a slight decrease overall in all three areas from 2000 to 2010-14.

From 2000 to 2010-14, rates declined in all counties but Knox and Blount, whose rates increased by less than 1 percentage point. The rate declined the most in Jefferson (by nearly 2 points).

Notes about the data

Figures do not include Supplemental Security Income or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program income (food stamps).